Abstract: A combination support and irrigator for a planting having an upwardly extending trunk is disclosed. The device includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end and defining an interior chamber. The lower end is adapted to be positioned on a ground support surface while an opening at the upper end of the housing is dimensioned to circumscribe the trunk of the planting and limit the deflection of the trunk. A plurality of stakes extend downwardly from a lower end of the housing and are adapted for insertion into the ground support surface. At least one of the stakes includes a fluid passage extending between a distal end of the stake and the interior chamber of the housing so that a liquid contained within the housing flows from the housing chamber, through the stake and into the ground support surface.

Abstract: A combination support and irrigator for a planting having an upwardly extending trunk is disclosed. The device includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end and defining an interior chamber. The lower end is adapted to be positioned on a ground support surface while an opening at the upper end of the housing is dimensioned to circumscribe the trunk of the planting and limit the deflection of the trunk. A plurality of stakes extend downwardly from a lower end of the housing and are adapted for insertion into the ground support surface. At least one of the stakes includes a fluid passage extending between a distal end of the stake and the interior chamber of the housing so that a liquid contained within the housing flows from the housing chamber, through the stake and into the ground support surface.

Abstract: An athletic shoe has an upper and a sole extending along the bottom of the upper. The sole has a ball portion along the front of the sole and a heel portion along the rear of the sole as well as a lower surface which lies in a substantially predetermined plane. A plurality of elongated recesses are provided in the sole so that the recesses extend radially outwardly from a preset point in the central part of the ball of the sole and so that the recesses are circumferentially spaced from each other. An elongated resilient member is positioned in each recess and each resilient member is dimensioned so that it is spaced inwardly from the sides of its associated recess and also so that the resilient member depends downwardly from the predetermined plane of the sole. In practice, when the person wearing the athletic sole pivots around the preset point in the ball of the sole, the resilient member collapses to one side of its associated recess depending upon the direction of the pivot.

Abstract: A swab for collecting and removing material from small openings. The swab includes an absorbent tip attached to an elongated rod. The absorbent tip has an outer surface with at least one recess in which material is collected.

Abstract: An athletic shoe of the type having an elongated sole, a front, a back, an inner side and an outer side and at least one cleat extending outwardly from the sole. The cleat includes a forwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface which taper towards each other and meet each other adjacent one side of the sole so that the forwardly facing and outwardly facing surfaces are generally V-shaped when viewed in plan. An inwardly facing surface extends longitudinally between the other ends of the forwardly and outwardly facing sides. In use, the inwardly facing surface of the cleat provides traction as the athlete steps sidewardly. Conversely, the tapering forward and outwardly facing surfaces minimize traction in the event of a transverse blow to the athlete's legs.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe is disclosed which is particularly suited for use in the game of baseball. The athletic shoe comprises a sole having an upper secured to it and extending upwardly from its upper side. A first set of cleats extends downwardly from the sole and comprises at least three thin and arcuate cleats. Moreover, this first set of cleats is secured to the ball portion of the sole and positioned in a ring so that each cleat has substantially the same radius and center as each other. A second set of thin and arcuate cleats is also secured to the ball portion of the sole in a ring concentric with the first set of cleats but on a smaller radius than the first set of cleats. The first and second set of cleats provide improved pivoting for the athletic shoe.